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CRAIG CROZIER: WHILE CARRYING OUT SOME FAULT FINDING, I FOUND THIS AT MY CUSTOMERβS PROPERTY! WHO NEEDS THOSE CPCS, OR BACK BOXES, FOR THAT MATTER?
When accessories are installed as part of the electrical installation, they become an integral part of the wiring system and must comply with all aspects of BS 7671 and Building Regulations.
In this instance there has been no provision of a back box to enclose the live parts or conductors and the circuit protective conductor (cpc) continuity has not been maintained throughout the circuit.
It is often overlooked that the cpc is required to be installed and terminated to each point of the wiring and each accessory. The only exception is for a lamp holder.
Although this device is marked as a double insulated and does not require earthing, the requirement is to terminate the cpc at this point. Failure to terminate the cpcβs does not provide the continuity of protective conductor or any exposed-conductive-parts that are part of the circuit.
The lack of an enclosure for an accessory does not provide containment of live parts and for any protection against potential spread of fire. The lack of secure fixings for the accessory also places strain on the connections with the potential to allow the live connections to become exposed.
Therefore, the classification code would be a C2, Potentially Danger present β urgent remedial action required, due to the lack of cpc continuity.
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